Donna Elderkin began working for Delaware County in June, 1990 as a Typist for the Veterans Service Agency.  The quality of her work was recognized in January, 2002, when she was promoted to Administrative Aide, in January, 2008 when she was promoted to Administrative Assistant, and again in September, 2009 when she was appointed Assistant to the Director of the Veterans Service Agency.

In her role as Assistant to the Director of the Veterans Service Agency, Donna provides administrative support to the Director and handles all Veterans’ complaints and assists them with claims.  She also handles service-connected injury or illness, disability pensions, medical or mental health care, including scheduling transportation to care providers.   Donna assists the veterans with housing loans, education, employment, and vocational rehabilitation, tax relief, nursing home care, burial and a variety of other entitlements earned through military service.  Donna also performs payroll for the department and is the smiling face that greets veterans and visitors to the department.

Donna is a true professional.  She is reliable, responds quickly to requests, sees what needs to be done before being asked and executes it with perfection.  Her sense of humor, mild manner and encouraging nature, along with the ability to assists veterans and their families on an individual basis, all contribute to her exemplary work performance.  She is always cheerful and empathetic and develops good relationships with her clients.  She displays a positive attitude and a passion for her work.  Donna is always there, with a smile, to do whatever she can and then asks if there is anything else she can do.  She always takes the time to talk and joke with the veterans and she is also patient and listens to them.

What Donna likes most about the job is, “interacting with the veterans and their families, and the sense of satisfaction gained from being able to serve them.”

Donna’s spare time is spent with her husband, Melvin, and their daughter, son and five grandchildren.  Her hobbies include gardening, crocheting and baking.

Donna’s complete understanding of the Veterans Agency benefit system and her flawless organizational skills are an enormous asset to this department.  Donna performs her duties in an exceptionally timely and professional manner.  As stated by the Director, John Boecke, “Recently, I have been nominated to this position and Donna has supported me and been involved with my training, as well as doing her own job.  Donna is not only an asset to this department, but to the County as a whole.  It is a pleasure to have Donna in this position.”

Donna, thank you for all you do for Delaware County Veterans and congratulations on your well deserved recognition as Delaware County Employee of the Month.